Political Candidates

[skalenfehl]

This is a reminder to remember our site rules, particularly #7:

7. Do not post or upload any names of political candidates or posts that insinuate a particular candidate. Do not make post, messages, videos, or uploads in reference to political candidates. You may not use LDS.NET to endorse any candidate running for political office. You may not use LDS.Net to intervene directly or indirectly in the election process by endorsing a political candidate. Any post that speaks favorably about one candidate, even in a religious context, can be construed as indirect intervention in the election process.

Current events and politics is fine but please keep the names of current candidates out.

10. Political Neutrality Policy
More Good Foundation, as a nonprofit foundation, must remain neutral with respect to partisan politics and candidate campaigns for public office. The foundation encourages its members and staff to be informed about political issues and to be engaged in civic life; however, it does not endorse or oppose any political parties, candidates, or platforms.

LDS.Net will allow political discussion, also long as all posts remain neutral with respect to partisan politics and candidate campaigns for public office. You may not use the site to show support, endorse, oppose or sanction any candidate. In addition, all posts must be respectful and sensitive to readers of all political beliefs and backgrounds. Any post that violates any of the above conditions will be dealt with according to the consequences of breaking the rules.

As a non-profit organization, 501(c)3, we are governed by legal constraints relative to writing, blogging, or otherwise endorsing any candidate running for political office. The law states, in effect, that no one acting on behalf of the nonprofit can intervene directly or indirectly in the election process by endorsing a political candidate. Any post that speaks favorably about one candidate, even in a religious context, can be construed as indirect intervention in the election process. While journalists are presently exempt from this provision, bloggers and forum-members are not.

Please take a moment to review the site rules and terms and conditions of our site. Thank you.

[Jbs2763]

I understand and try to play by the rules, i just wonder if non profits that cater primarily to the other extreme as the majorty of people that frequent this board are under the same scrutiny, we would like to think that they are...but makes you go hmmmmm

[Traxardos]

Finally found a not so dead website that has (or does it?) a chat, only to find out that I can't do what I want here, which is; to find and give political views about current USA candidates for president. Yes, I'm from the Netherlands and very interested about why American LDS members keep voting for one party (by and large) and not for the other.

So, where can I find an (active!) LDS community where it IS allowed to speak ones mind about this very important topic?!

Prophets of old as well as living prophets have urged (and still do) us to get active in politics. Again, why can't I find any sites (irc channels preferably) where I can participate in? If there are, could you please give me some pointers?

Thanks for your hard work,

Micha Vermeer

[pam]

Find a "for profit" website that is not governed by the same rules.

[Traxardos]

Originally Posted by pam

Find a "for profit" website that is not governed by the same rules.

Well, aren't "for profit" alway's partisan? None-the-less, where would I be able to find an LDS "for profit" community?

I've used 'the google' but can't find any on 'the internets'...

Seriously though, do you have any suggestions?

[pam]

I am unaware of any.

[skalenfehl]

You know, there's nothing wrong with discussing political issues in the current events section without mentioning or endorsing candidates by name per the site rules. I believe each election year is a very important event and should be taken seriously and soberly. Our church encourages us to keep up with current events and intelligently vote our conscience. So feel free to state your mind.

I will personally keep a close eye on the threads so that everyone can participate and contribute without 'breaking the rules'. As long as everyone remains civil and understand that we all come from different backgrounds, have different philosophies and treat each other respectfully I don't see why issues can't be discussed and debated as long as the debates are in the true spirit of "debating." Just understand the site rules before getting too involved.

Here's a good example of a social/political issue that ended up being debated by myself and Redbeard. Notice how we remained civil and respectful towards each other throughout the discussion. This is how a good discussion/debate should begin and end:

The drugs debate

[Canuck Mormon]

Originally Posted by Traxardos

Yes, I'm from the Netherlands and very interested about why American LDS members keep voting for one party (by and large) and not for the other.

People tend to vote for those candidates, or parties, that reflect their set of values. As we all share a similar point of view, why would it seem odd that the majority of LDS vote in a certain way? It's the same with any large group of people sharing similar values.

[skalenfehl]

Personally speaking I don't subscribe to either party. If anything I'm an independent conservative. There are some things that I agree with the left but not all and likewise for the right. I think both parties left me a very long time ago. Anyway, I look forward to seeing what discussions pop up in the Current Events section.

[ampat777]

I appreciate the good work all of you do and am thankful for this site. I am not that active, didn´t make any wonderful friends yet but I still am sure it´s one of the best I found in the net.

Now I don´t understand why you always react that harsh and sometimes rude if someone (like myself) doesn´t agree with that rule not to even name the names of the political candidates. I also don´t understand the non-profil thing and never got a useful answer. All I got was like "that´s the rules so take it or leave it". Not the best reaction if you ask me....

To make it clear, I do understand that political discussions can lead to fights and are very sensitive. I also understand that it would not be ok if some members would come here to manipulate people to make them vote for their party. I know that it exists and I saw someone posting Obama newsletters in another board. That is wrong of course and should be forbidden.

But just talking about the candidates is not bad in my eyes and it´s a bit silly to talk about loosing the non-profit status, whatever that is.

Eric